Yoga And Mental Wellness

The self-knowledge gained from yoga has been evident to practitioners for many generations.

Chances are great that your direct experience of mental calm, physical relaxation, strength, and spiritual centeredness has been clear and valid testimony as to the benefits of the yoga practice throughout your life..

The Evidence

Research accumulates weekly supporting the firsthand testimony of all ages of yoga students about the impact of yoga on mental wellness. Three examples: the readily accessible book Yoga as Medicine by Timothy McCall M.D, reviews scores of studies about the healing impact of yoga on anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Prenatal yoga has been proven to combat depression, decrease stress, and manage anxiety. This important study reviewed key components of yoga intervention for depression and anxiety.

In all classes, we take a pause from the physical practice for calming and meditative breathing. Here my prenatal yoga student allows her mind to settle.

My wonderful student Ken was willing and brave enough to allow me to share his yoga experience as an adjunct support for his mental health treatment.

Ken’s Experience with Yoga and Mental Wellness

Ken was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a number of years ago. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by shifts in mood from periods of extremely high energy levels to strong depressive episodes.

Acceptance of these conditions was one of the greatest tests of Ken’s life.

Yoga has helped Ken manage his bipolar disorder and bring balance to his life.

Ken’s days had been fraught with difficulty. At one point he took it upon himself to skip his medications, completely against the treatment plan of his psychiatrist. The result was that Ken suffered from a devastating psychotic break. Weight gain turned out to be a major side effect of his disorder: at one point he weighed 313 pounds.

Through the experience of deep relaxation and conscious sedation that I introduce in class, Ken created mental positive intentions, known as sankalpas, to inform and guide himself to healthy mental states and self acceptance.

With the support of his psychiatrist, Ken has learned to manage his bipolar disorder, and he is clear that he mustcontinue the bipolar medication regimen to stay stable.

At the same time using the self-care tool of yogic complete breath in everyday life, he manages his anxiety disorder.

Ken has actually stopped a potentially devastating public anxiety attack!

Last month, Ken shared the wonderful news that his psychiatrist has given him permission to completely cease his anxiety medication. All of us face stress and overload from everyday living. As Ken has demonstrated, these challenges can be managed. Yoga has been an empowering adjunct treatment for Ken’s mental wellness.

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Comments & Responses

Student Testimonials

Serenity, Knowledge, Desire to Help Others

What impresses me from Bonnie after the first yoga class I took with her is her serenity, deep knowledge of...

2016-04-07T19:12:09+00:00

What impresses me from Bonnie after the first yoga class I took with her is her serenity, deep knowledge of the human body, the desire to help others to improve their mobility, bone strength and balance. Every time I take her class, I feel rejuvenated. I followed Bonnie from another yoga studio and she is one of the greater yoga teachers I have ever met.

Knowledge and skill

The knowledge and skill of a facilitator like Bonnie are essential. Her initiative and dedication to the learner are unsurpassed

Director, Organizational Development Tucson

2014-12-26T21:11:30+00:00

Director, Organizational Development Tucson

The knowledge and skill of a facilitator like Bonnie are essential. Her initiative and dedication to the learner are unsurpassed

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/knowledge-and-skill/

Great Pace

I admire that you ease everyone into each posture, instead of speeding through the lesson.

KK, beginner student

2014-12-26T21:12:41+00:00

KK, beginner student

I admire that you ease everyone into each posture, instead of speeding through the lesson.

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/great-pace/

I love Bonnie’s classes

I love Bonnie’s classes! Anything you need help with or if something feels out of line, she will help you....

Beginning Yoga Student

2014-12-26T21:13:38+00:00

Beginning Yoga Student

I love Bonnie’s classes! Anything you need help with or if something feels out of line, she will help you. She teaches you to become aware of your body and mind so you yourself can take her teachings and help yourself in the real world.

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/i-love-bonnies-classes/

Can’t say enough

I cant say enough about Bonnie. She guided every move in a fluid manner and simply said the name of...

Beginning Yoga Student

2014-12-26T21:14:20+00:00

Beginning Yoga Student

I cant say enough about Bonnie. She guided every move in a fluid manner and simply said the name of the position while we completed the move. It was a very calming, motivating, and a wonderful experience. I cant wait until next week! Thank you Bonnie for introducing me to yoga.